Lionfish in the Caribbean

[A E Pienkowski]

Invasive Lionfish in the Caribbean

Native to the tropical Indo-Pacific region, red lionfish have been introduced to the Atlantic Ocean within the past several years, and gained a foothold in the coral and rocky reefs along the Gulf Stream. It has been observed in coral and rocky reefs along the southeast coast of the U.S., from Florida to North Carolina and including the Bahamas, Bermuda and Cuba. There are also reports from the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, so it is clearly spreading rapidly.

There is concern among fishery scientists that the red lionfish, having no natural enemies, may adversely impact natural fish populations. In addition, this fish has venomous spines that pose a danger to divers and anglers.

Given the potential for rapid expansion of lionfish an effective program for preventing and/or minimizing lionfish impacts into areas not yet colonized is essential to reducing lionfish impacts.

More information is available from http://home.eisf.org/node/1375

Coral reefs throughout the world are under huge stresses from exploitation, pollution, climate change, ..... The Lionfish invasion is just one more.

Ann

[A E Pienkowski]

Many environmental concerns affect the Caribbean, such as deforestation in Haiti or overdevelopment in Jamaica. In the sea, an invasive species called lionfish began as eight or nine loose pets and are now taking over the islands. They threaten not only native fish, but the fishing and eco-tourism industries in South Florida and the Caribbean as well. This video discusses the lionfish and the creative ways being employed to reduce their population.

This 9 minute documentary video questions the hurricane Andrew aquarium leak pathway as sole source of lionfish invasion in the Caribbean. This video could guide public education campaigns.

http://ka.uvuvideo.org/_PULSE-Invasi...613/86294.html